Zuffa Boxing dropped a bombshell announcement Friday that they’ve signed Conor Benn.
The British welterweight, who scored the biggest win of his burgeoning career last year when he avenged his loss to Chris Eubank Jr. with a dub in the rematch, joins the likes of Jai Opetaia and Robert Meriwether III in Zuffa’s growing stable of global fighters from key markets.
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” said Benn in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages.”
“I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and we have bold, ambitious plans.”
The 29-year-old spent the bulk of his career at Matchroom, who stood by him during the more controversial period of his career, when he tested positive on two occasions for the banned substance clomifene. He consistently denied any wrongdoing, but did not fight for three years in Britain, and instead fought twice in small shows in the United States.
A feral slugger, Benn is 24-1 (14 KOs) and piqued the attention of UFC boss Dana White, who waxed lyrical over Zuffa’s acquisition.
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” he said.
“He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out. He’s ready for a world title next and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”
In a broader statement on his time with Matchroom, Benn said: “I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade … they were not only with me for highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.”
He added: “Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse. I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.”
White also welcomed Benn to Zuffa in a video posted on X, below.
Sports Illustrated reporter and DAZN commentator Chris Mannix reported on X that the signing “is a one-fight, eight figure deal,” which could explain how Benn happily switched from Matchroom to Zuffa. There is, Mannix added, “a chance to hit free agency after his next fight.”
